It really cost the team in the standings, going from first to worst in almost record time.

The only thing special about it was that it ended…Saturday night, a 5-1 win over the road warriors of the month, the Milwaukee Admirals.

In a scheduling nightmare only minor pro hockey seems capable of dealing its organizational members, the Admirals played four games in five nights in Texas, beginning with their Tuesday night win over San Antonio, 2-1, followed by a trip to Austin for games on Wednesday (shootout loss), and Friday (shutout win) and then last night’s debacle with the worst team in the league.

I know building availability is an issue, and trying to sell back-to-back games with the same team is thought to be some kind of hockey heresy, but wouldn’t it make more sense to have the Admirals play twice in a row in SA, and then travel to Austin to play the Stars back-to-back?

Just a thought.

This was a common situation for the Rampage over the years, where they would start out a roadie in Rockford, play in Peoria or Quad Cities and then return to Rockford, all in four days.

Without all the facts at my feet, I would say that would be called insane in most industries.

Not that the Admirals will get any sympathy from the Rampage with the upcoming annual 16-game sabbatical they get to experience each year come Rodeo time.

Here’s a suggestion to break up that monthlong trip in limbo — why not schedule a couple of games in Glendale?

A couple of “Futures” games between the Rampage and wherever the Ducks or Kings have their kids next season could be a boon if marketed and priced correctly.

Here are the plusses:

Coyote fans can see their players of the future play in meaningful games.

The Rampage players have fans cheering for them during the long rodeo roadie for a change.

Jobbing Arena gets a couple more dates filled, maybe even a Tues/Wed night combo. Give the Yotes a break, collect on the concessions and sell the games as a 2-for-one if possible.

The games will give the Rampage recruits a chance at experiencing the next level, especially those that haven’t been there yet. That NHL lockerroom experience can be a nice motivator for performing here.

I’m sure there are negatives, like giving up two home games, but if they turn out to be those early week games, who cares? Most of those games will bring out, what, 2,000 max, hardly enough to justify paying the parking lot attendants.

It couldn’t be worse than having the Rampage play on a Friday night in Providence, then fly to Chicago and bus to Moline, Illinois to play a Saturday night game in Quad Cities, like they did last season.

Something to consider.

Power Play Returns

Chad Kolarik credited new assistant coach, Mike Pelino with the revised version of the Rampage power play.

If Pelino can get the Rampage to consistently be a threat with the extra skater, he will be the first in a near decade to get the local team a decent PP squad.

Last night, the Rampage scored twice with the extra man, and unofficially a third time, when Sean Sullivan’s goal entered net shortly after a Milwaukee penalty was served.

Kolarik said Pelino pointed out something as simple as moving your feet after passing the puck. Don’t remain planted..always be moving. Kinda like every other team that has been in the AT&T Center over the years.

It was refreshing to see crisp passing, puck movement in general, hitting the open man, maintaining control, and scoring at the opponents zone during the power play. And even on those occasions the Rampage didn’t score, at least it looked like they wanted to, at one time, having three players in front of the goaltender. At this level, if the goalie can see it, he will stop it. Putting the Redwoods up there to block the puck’s path can really increase efficiency, but lots of guys don’t like to pay the price.

Dunno what Ray Edwards is feeding the players, but those “crash the net” pills are certainly working, at least for one game.

View from the balcony

New assistant coach Mike Pelino seems like a great fit.

Based on meeting him last night for the first time, here are some observations:

First of all, he has a sense of humor. He’s approachable, and that’s invaluable in an assistant coach, who the players will sometimes use as a buffer to get messages through to the head coach.

Second, he has credibility. When a guy who’s been coaching in the NHL tells you to do something, you have a tendency to give it a shot, right? I would think a former NY Ranger assistant coach would have some weight behind his suggestions.

Third, Mike seems like someone who is here to help, not hinder, and help progress the talent on the ice. In other words, he compliments Ray Edwards very well.

And fourth, he grew up a Bruins fan. Can’t beat that, eh?

One thing about Ray Edwards. Over the years, he has always been very approachable and, in many ways, reminds me of John Torchetti in coaching style. Edwards takes the game as seriously as anyone I’ve known in the game, but he also knows when to loosen up a little, and that can make a big difference, especially to a young team dealing with identity issues.

Kyle Turris sighting

Very nice to see Kyle Turris get involved in the game of hockey again, other than the deadpan drop-ins he recorded this season for the “Jumbotron.”

Not sure where he’s been the past six weeks, but it’s great that whomever was wearing his number 91 jersey gave it back to him for Saturday’s game.

Turris was robbed in the opening minutes after Chad Kolarik’s goal, and got into a little scrap at the faceoff following Brett MacLean’s second goal. He then would have had the highlight reel shot of the year if he could have finished a partial breakaway in the second period, fighting off a defender from the blueline in, only to have the puck roll off his stick just before lift-off.

Milwaukee goalie Mark Dekanich’s jock was on the ice after Turris’ final move.

Turris’ scoring and creativity have been MIA the last six weeks. Good to have the old #91 back in action.

Goodnight, My Captain

Steve Milette lost his battle with cancer this week.

Steve has been an AHL goal judge in San Antonio since the Rampage arrived, and was known for his integrity and accuracy in that vital position.

The Rampage gave Steve a moment of silence Saturday night, and had his customary seat in the goal judge box vacated, decorated only with an empty AHL off-ice official’s blue sweater on his chair. The actual goal judge for the game was outside the box.

Very touching moment.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family in this tough time, and as for Steve, thanks for years of friendship, mutual respect and love of the game. I miss fighting you for that last snickerdoodle during our between-periods cookie-time.